<p class="text2">That Luang Stupa is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane, Laos.<br /> Since its initial establishment suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions until the 1930s due to foreign invasions to the area. It is generally regarded as the most important national monument in Laos and a national symbol.</p>
<p class="text2">The architecture of the building includes many references to Lao culture and identity, and so has become a symbol of Lao nationalism. The stupa today consists of three levels, each conveying a reflection of part of the Buddhist doctrine. <br /> The first level is 223 feet by 226 feet, the second is 157 feet along each side and the third level is 98 feet along each side. From ground to pinniacle, That Luang Stupa is 147.6 feet high.<br /><br /></p>
<p class="text2">The area around That Luang Stupa is now gated, to keep traffic out. Previously visitors could drive around the whole complex. The encircling walls are roughly 279 feet long on each side and contain a large number of Lao and Khmer sculptures including one of Jayavarman VII.</p>
<p class="text2">&nbsp;<br /><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://arasa-tour-laos.com/documents/Pha_That_Luang_Vientiane_Laos_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg" alt="that luang" width="800" height="204" /><br /><br /></p>
<p class="text2"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">References&nbsp;:</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"> Foreman, William (2004-12-28). "Laos: A day in Vientiane is full of temples, colonial architecture and surprises". USA Today / AP. Retrieved May 22, 2010.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"> "Half Day Tour In Vientiane". Lasi Global. May 1, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2009.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"> "Pha That Luang (built 1566, reconstructed 1930)". Asian Historical Architecture. Retrieved September 26, 2009.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: 10px;"> Cummings, J., Burke, A (1994). Lonely Planet Country Guides:Laos. Lonely Planet. pp.&nbsp;70. ISBN&nbsp;1-74104-086-8.</span></em></p>